TRIBUTES have been paid to the former leader of Cheshire County Council, after he died suddenly at his home.

Derek Bateman, 62, who went on to head the Labour group on Cheshire West and Chester Council, is thought to have suffered a heart attack in his sleep.

Four years ago, Cllr Bateman, of Ellesmere Port, defied all the odds by resuming a distinguished career in local government following major open heart surgery.

The evening before his death, he had spoken to Labour members about his pride in May’s election results in Cheshire West and Chester, which saw the party’s largest gain on any unitary English council.

Acting group leader Cllr Pat Merrick said last night: “The Labour party and local government in Cheshire have suffered a huge loss. Derek served both with immense distinction.

“Derek was a real man of the people, a man of compassion and understanding. When asked by a local reporter how he would like to be best remembered, he replied ‘He served us all with all his heart’.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Conservative leader Mike Jones added although he and Cllr Bateman “had our political differences”, “his devotion to the Labour cause was unrivalled, only surpassed by the courage he showed in returning to the fray after surviving against all the odds and against the advice of his doctors”.

Council chief executive Steve Robinson added: “Derek brought a wealth of experience to the new council which benefited everyone. Many years of experience had given him a wide knowledge of every aspect of local government.”